Shows
Why aren’t we talking about thisWhy aren't we talking about this: RedundancyWhen it happened to me, coming up to 5 years ago, I was mortified. Humiliated even. How could it happen to me. I was the person who worked hard, was focused delivered, and yet the business no longer wanted me. Enter shame spiral. I had equated my self worth with my job title.
According to studies 44% of people will get made redundant at som point of their careers, yet despite the likelihood of this happening, redundancy is still shrouded in shame and embarrassment.
This weeks ‘Why aren’t we talking about this’ episode with Jarrod Cocksedge is talk...
2025-11-1244 min
The BadlandsThe Badlands - Damian + Matt BagwellDamian came across the remarkable Matt Bagwell via a post on LinkedIn from Matt Hardisty. Always open to synchronicity he followed the path to Mr B’s door. Despite a heavy schedule as CMO of a climate tech company, leadership coach, breathwork instructor, husband, father and writer, Matt agreed to come on a walk through the Badlands and talk about his brilliant book ‘The Clearing - a manual to avoid wasting your life’. Along the way personal stories were shared that shaped and inspired Matt’s search for answers to the question, ‘how do you want to spend your...
2025-10-301h 07The BadlandsThe Badlands - Damian + Mark RatcliffIn this episode of the Badlands Podcast, our new host Damian talks with Mark Ratcliff, a qualitative researcher for nearly 3 decades, exploring the evolving landscape of qualitative research in the age of AI. They discuss the importance of nuance, intuition, and cultural context in understanding consumer behavior, as well as the challenges posed by the increasing reliance on AI in research methodologies. Through many a personal anecdote and case studies about many of the UKs most well known ads, they highlight the significance of ethnographic research and the need for a balanced approach that values human insight alongside technological...
2025-09-111h 11The BadlandsThe Badlands - Carly Osman HolmeIn this episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Carly Osman Holme, Carly is a highly experienced agency suit and leader, marketing leader along with many other things. Whilst not strictly in the Badlands today, she has had her fair share of time in there! ultimately finding a unique way of getting out, which she shares on this episode.We discuss zig zag careers, redundancy, toxic workplaces, working overseas, returning to London, redefining ourselves whilst in the Badlands and using our decades of skills to find our next thing.W...
2025-07-0340 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - A new James Bond / Postman PatSo, what do James Bond, Postman Pat, Dr Who all have in common with The Badlands?Fans and keen listeners will have noticed a few weeks since the last episode, more on why in this week's episode. Which is different for a few reasons, mainly because yours truly is being asked questions about my Badlands journey, time job hunting and what the future holds for me along with The Badlands podcast by former guest and my old team mate Damian Mckeown.In this episode I talk about my personal...
2025-06-121h 17The BadlandsThe Badlands - Marina LoveIn this special episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Marina Love, Marina is highly experienced Marketing Director with a very impressive career in the FMCG world in the UK. Nowadays, Marina is in the process of a career pivot after some time in the Badlands. Shifting her focus to mental health and wellbeing, and today we discuss things that anyone in the Badlands and beyond can do to help themselves a little more.So have a listen as we delve into the critical topic of mental health and wellbeing...
2025-04-171h 00The BadlandsThe Badlands - Will MacNeilIn this special episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Will MacNeil, Will is highly experienced Creative Director. With a very impressive career in TV, Film and Animation. In this conversation, Will, as former creative director at The Mill, shares his first hand account of his experience surrounding the sudden closure of the renowned post-production company The Mill. We discuss his career journey, the state of the creative industry, and the chaotic events leading up to and following the closure. We also discuss the emotional impact on employees, how the Soho / London Post community responded, a...
2025-04-0355 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Neema ShahIn this episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Neema Shah, Neema is a highly experienced Marketing Director. With a very impressive career so far at some of the UK’s biggest and most well known brands.In this conversation, Neema shares her journey as a marketing leader, discussing her experiences at notable brands like Freeview and the BBC, along with the challenges of navigating the job market after a long stint in the Badlands. She reflects on the changing landscape of marketing, the importance of brand building, and the impact of AI. We discuss the s...
2025-03-1346 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Melanie LazarusIn this episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Melanie Lazarus, Melanie is former ad agency suit turned Brand Marketing Director. With a very impressive career so far at some of the UK’s biggest and most well known brands.In this episode, Melanie shares her experience navigating the challenging job market after a significant career at major brands. We discuss the impact of short-termism in business decisions, the shift from legacy to challenger brands, and her personal journey of reflection and pivoting towards consultancy. We discuss the importance of self-branding and the long-term value of...
2025-02-2056 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Mays ElansariIn this episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Mays Elansari, Mays is former agency suit turned marketeer extraordinaire (it makes sense when you listen).
In this episode Mays shares her journey from agency land to regional Marketing Director and ultimately into the Badlands.! We discuss how Corporate restructuring can impact even the most successful professionals! How embracing change can lead to new opportunities and ultimately saying yes to new experiences can open doors. All the while paying attention to ones mental health. Amongst many other things.
We hope you enjoy, please share i...
2025-01-3050 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Matthew CritchleyIn this episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Matthew Critchley, Matthew is highly experienced Marketer with CMO and CEO roles to his name, with an impressive career at some of the UK's biggest brands.
In this episode Matthew shares his extensive career journey, discussing his experiences in the marketing industry, the impact of COVID-19 on current job opportunities, and the challenges he’s faced in the current job market like many others. We also discuss and addresses common misconceptions about ageism in recruitment. Finally his strong and unflinching desire to contribut...
2025-01-2347 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Andrew BoatmanIn the first episode of Season 2 of The Badlands I’m talking with Andrew Boatman, Andrew is highly experienced international Agency leader turned Consultant, with an impressive career at some of the worlds biggest agencies.
In this episode Andrew and I discuss his journey journey through the advertising and consultancy industries, discussing his experiences in Singapore, the challenges of relocating during a pandemic, and the evolving landscape of marketing. We reflect on the impact of age on job opportunities, the rise of smaller agencies, and the importance of subject matter expertise. Andrew also discusses his plans to start h...
2025-01-1654 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Christmas SpecialIn this final episode of The Badlands in 2024, I’m talking with not 1, but 4 guests in a very special year in review episode.
I’m joined by Celia Muddier, Rachel King, Jay Dillamore and Damian McKeown. All former guests and all kind enough to do another episode and share their year in review with regards to job hunting, things they’ve learnt, and their plans for 2025, oh and we even talk about work we’ve seen out in the wild that we would have loved to have been involved in.
We hope you...
2024-12-121h 24The BadlandsThe Badlands - Richard RobinsonIn this special episode of The Badlands I’m talking with Richard Robinson, Richard is the human version of LinkedIn. Given his time in the agency world and the intermediary world running Oystercatchers and now Executive Director of Ingenuity +, he simply knows everyone and everyone knows him!
In this conversation, Richard shares his extensive experience in marketing and advertising, discussing the challenges faced by professionals in the industry today, particularly those in transition. We talk about the importance of personal branding, networking, and Richard introduces the concept of 'inbetweeners' (those currently out of work) and adv...
2024-12-0551 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Gregor YoungIn this week's instalment of The Badlands I’m talking with Gregor Young, Gregor is highly experienced strategic digital product leader and most recently a CEO, with an impressive career at some of the UK’s biggest Brands, including BT the FT and Channel 4.
In this episode Gregor and I discuss the shift in recruitment dynamics favouring specialists over generalists, and the importance of adapting one's approach to job applications. We delve into the complexities of senior hiring practices, the challenges of assessing soft skills, and the importance of networking in job searching. We go deep o...
2024-11-2858 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Andrew GarrihyFrom Global CMO to CMO Coach..a story of pivoting.
In this week's instalment of The Badlands I’m talking with Andrew Garrihy, Andrew is highly experienced CMO now a CMO coach, with an impressive career at some of the worlds biggest Brands, including Vodafone, Samsung and Hauwei.
In this special episode Andrew takes us from his days of leading the Global Marketing for Hauwei to now helping the CMOs of tomorrow be better in every way. So as someone that was in the Badlands from time to time during h...
2024-11-211h 00The BadlandsThe Badlands - Cath BossonTrouble Down Under - Another International Episode, from Sydney, Australia.
In this week's instalment of The Badlands I’m talking with Cath Bosson, Cath is highly experienced Marketing & Creative Leader in Sydney, Australia, with an impressive career at some of the worlds biggest agency networks and some of Australia biggest Brands. But like many others in Australia and all countries to be honest, she finds herself in the Badlands!
Today we explore the emotional toll of being retrenched and the difficulties of navigating a shrinking job market, where roles are oft...
2024-11-141h 03The BadlandsThe Badlands - Dawn CumminsDiscussing being open to random chats that may unlock new possibilities?
In this week's instalment of The Badlands I’m talking with Dawn Cummins, Dawn is highly experienced Insights & Analytics Strategy Director, with an impressive career at Unilever and Mars. But after a self imposed career break she has like many wound up in the Badlands!
Today we discuss the humbling experience of job hunting, the impact of technology on the hiring process, and the disconnect between job descriptions and actual expectations. BUT, it’s super upbeat as Dawn is an inc...
2024-11-071h 03The BadlandsThe Badlands - James DillamoreStar Wars actor, TV Producer, Discoverer of Rag & Bone Ma?
In this week's instalment of The Badlands I’m talking with James Dillamore, James is an experienced TV Development Producer, having worked with major music labels to working on some the UK's biggest reality TV shows to pitching shows about the world's funniest Budgies to the back of his head staring in Star Wars! He joins me to talk his career to date, from finding some big music stars to navigating today's crazy Film and Television world. Which like the creative industry as a whole h...
2024-11-011h 08The BadlandsThe Badlands - Al JenkinsIn this week's instalment of The Badlands I’m talking with Al Jenkins, Al is an experienced Marketing Operations & Enablement Leader, he joins me to talk about his career so far at some of the biggest tech companies on the planet culminating in a recent redundancy from Microsoft along with most of his team.
We discuss the madness of redundancy, the lack of humanity involved in the process, the revolving door at the big tech companies and the collateral damage of humans in the game of hiring and redundancy. We also discuss the power of...
2024-10-2450 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Helen & SamThe perfect Two for 1 deal.
In this week's instalment of @TheBadlandsJDC I’m talking with not 1 but 2 recruiters, whom between them have worked everywhere and across everything, Helen Kimber and Samantha Peace, They join me to talk about their new consultancy called Creative Connections, A specialist creative talent agency delivering the very best leadership, new business, strategic and innovation talent in the UK.
Today we discuss their journey to the recent launch of Creative Connections, from working together on and off for over 2 decades, to what they are experiencing in the...
2024-10-1057 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Michelle O'BrienAnother international episode. .
In this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking with Michelle O’Brien, Michelle is a Content Marketing Leader, and a Podcast host! But more importantly is a fellow northerner and current ex pat living her best life in Singapore.
In this episode we discuss everything from her journey from Manchester to a successful marketing career working with major brands like Disney, Mercedes and Samsung to navigating personal challenges, including redundancy and her path to sobriety. We discuss the impact of her experiences on her mental health, the impo...
2024-10-031h 06The BadlandsThe Badlands - Damian MckeownLongest episode yet! Includes a guest appearance from our family puppy.
In this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking with an ex colleague, Damian Mckeown, Damian is highly experienced Chief Strategy officer, with career spanning time at Wieden + Kennedy to DDB to Droga5 along with a few more of biggest and best Ad Agencies in the world…BUT
Ridiculously he is in the Badlands, So in this episode we start with a cameo from my our new family puppy ‘Jerry’, and then we dive into Damiens long and exceptional career.
2024-09-201h 26The BadlandsThe Badlands - Chris WallIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking with Chris Wall, Chris is highly experienced Creative Director and has had a career spanning Magazine Editor to CD at one of the worlds biggest and best Ad Agencies…BUT
Like others he is the recent victim of Redundancy. So in this episode we will discuss his inevitable slide into the Badlands from the beginning of the year.
We discuss everything from mental health, self identity, machine learning and the importance of human connection and the challenges of loneliness and ego d...
2024-09-121h 02The BadlandsThe Badlands - Jayant SavantFirst International episode…from London to Katmandu.
In this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking with Jayant Savant, Jayant is multi awarded Creative leader based in Mumbai India! as well as India he has worked in challenging markets, such as, Bangladesh and Nepal (in actual Katmandu) for some of the world's leading Ad agencies. One of which we bother worked at back in 2007, Jayant in Mumbai and myself in Singapore. BUT…like the UK market, India is also proving challenging for senior agency and marketing folk, as Jayant will tell us. As he navigates the Badlands in Ind...
2024-09-0646 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Rhea FoxIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m chatting with Rhea Fox, Rhea describes herself as a Digital / Marketing / Customer Director, so her skill set covers lots of bases. With a career that includes time at Ebay, Aviva and most recently Ted Baker!!!
In this episode we will discuss her inevitable and slow slide into the Badlands from the beginning of the year as like many others her time at Ted Baker ended as the brand went into administration.
We discuss her new reality and how the news of imp...
2024-08-2946 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Natalia BrightmoreIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking with Natalia Brightmore, Natalia describes herself as a Marketing Generalist with 2 decades experience working in all aspects of marketing.
But like many others she still finds herself in the Badlands for the first time in her career, and like others job hunting is proving to be challenging at the moment but Natalia has additional requirements due to a health issue that has changed her life in the last year.
We discuss her new reality and her health and how it imp...
2024-08-2256 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Rachel KingIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking with Rachel King, Rachel is a highly experienced Creative Director with 3 decades working at the BBC and ITV with stints at other broadcasters to boot.
However in spite of all that history and experience she still finds herself in the Badlands for the first time in her career after an out of the blue redundancy.
We discuss her time as a Creative leader, what she is looking for moving forwards, dealing with redundancy, the challenges and shift in mindset required to...
2024-08-1549 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Phil DearsonIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking with Phil Dearson about all things A.I. as Phil is Chief Strategy Officer and A.I. Advisor at Obsolete.
Phil and I used to work together many years ago at a Digital agency here in London and back then he clearly knew his stuff and still does to this day. So I thought he would be a perfect person to talk A.I. given its permutation into everyday life and the marketing and advertising industry.
We discuss if A.I. w...
2024-08-0846 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Celia MuddimerIn this weeks instalment of @TheBadlandsJDC I’m talking with Celia Muddimer, Celia is an (ex) Marketing Director, Director of Performance Marketing and all round Marketing specialist.
Today we discuss how and why she is in the Badlands, what she has been doing with her time. The importance of networking and her desire to move into a Fractional Portfolio of roles and her view on why it’s smart and good business for organisations to take advantage of the Fractional talent that is currently available.
We hope you Enjoy, please share it with anyone you know th...
2024-07-3047 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Anna CosciaIn this weeks instalment of The Badlands, it takes another slightly different turn as I'm talking with Anna Coscia, Anna is ex Global Planning Director at a number of major Agencies but now a Leadership Coach and Yoga Teacher. She had her time in the Badlands but made her way out in her own way, by changing careers.
Today we discuss how and why she transitioned from Global Planning Director to Leadership Coach and (Yoga Teacher), her advice to others looking at making a career change, the messy middle, and a Villa.
We hope you...
2024-07-1846 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Jo JanssenIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking to Jo Janssen, Jo is an experienced Marketing Director having worked at numerous well known FMCG and Alcohol brands, but even with all that experience she unfortunately finds herself in The Badlands for way longer than expected. Like many other highly experienced marketeers and agency folk.
We discuss her experiences job hunting, the importance of staying positive, believing in yourself, and reaching out to others, networking more than ever before and the small silver linings of being in the Badlands.
We hope you enjoy, please share it...
2024-07-1143 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Fi RobertsonIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking to Fi Robertson, Fi is an experienced Brand Director and Business Director having worked both agency and client side, but even with all that experience she unfortunately finds herself in The Badlands. Like many other highly experienced suits.
We discuss the ups and downs of job hunting, her frustrations with the process but also some of the weird silver linings of being in the Badlands, along with her love of baking and hatred of Cross Trainers, whilst also offering up some tips and advice for others in a si...
2024-07-0338 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Steve PriceIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking to Steve Price, Steve is a highly experienced Creative Director and Design Director, having had a successful and constant freelance career over the last 2 decades, he like many other freelance creatives finds himself in The Badlands for way longer than ever before.
We discuss the ups and downs of job hunting, the horror of silence, his efforts to help others, his videos that have gone viral as the kids say, whilst as always offering up more tips and advice for others in a similar situation.
This wa...
2024-06-2556 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - James BaileyIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking to James Bailey, James is a highly experienced Design Strategist, Product Designer and Service Designer, but unfortunately finds himself in The Badlands for way longer than he expected.
We discuss the ups and downs of job hunting, his theories on what is happening on the Service / Product design sector, the need to diversify oneself and some of the weird silver linings of being in the Badlands, whilst also offering up more tips and advice for others in a similar situation.
We hope you enjoy, please share it...
2024-06-1841 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Lucas BergmansIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking to Lucas Bergmans, Lucas is ex Group Marketing Director of Cazoo, formerly of Aviva, Money Supermarket.com, Pepsi, Heineken to name a few little brands he has worked at and managed over the last 25 years, but unfortunately he still finds himself in The Badlands, for way longer than he expected.
We discuss the ups and downs of job hunting, the importance of putting together a group of other job hunters to bounce ideas off, a book that he recommends (Never Search Alone), whilst also offering up more tips an...
2024-06-1442 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Rikke Wichmann-BruunIn this weeks instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking to Rikke Wichmann-Brunn, Rikke is ex CEO of MRM, she has had a stellar career at some of the biggest agencies in the UK and Denmark over the last 25 years, but unfortunately she finds herself in The Badlands.
We discuss the importance of staying optimistic, knowing ones self worth, and how saying no to things is still important in your job search, recruiters and the recruitment process, along with how she is navigating her longest time in the Badlands. Whilst offering up more tips and advice.
...
2024-06-1142 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Rosie MacphailIn this weeks instalment of The Badlands, it takes another slightly different turn in a change from regular scheduled programming, I’m talking to Rosie Macphail, Rosie is a recruiter at Major Players and responsible for Senior marketing appointments.
We discuss the state of the market, the green shoots of positive change that Major Players are seeing, along with some great tips on CVs and communication strategies when it comes to chasing recruiters and feedback.
We hope you Enjoy, please share it with anyone you know that is currently in The Badlands, or get in tou...
2024-06-0644 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Hasan KhairIn a change from regular scheduled programming, this weeks instalment of The Badlands takes a slightly different turn, I’m talking to Hasan Khair, Hasan is the CEO of Mavericks Unlimited and Tyllr, he is an exec Coach, mentor and an Ikigai Master (it will make sense when you listen).
We discuss how one might go about looking at changing careers, moving into other areas, identifying passion areas and how to turn them into future proof careers. Whilst offering up some tips, advice on how to stay positive while searching for your next role or unlocking a br...
2024-05-3035 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - Katrina VinesIn this instalment of The Badlands, I’m talking to Katrina Vines, Katrina is a Managing Partner level Agency suit, she has worked at lots of the big agencies in the last 20 years as a contractor but for the first time in her career finds herself wandering The Badlands like a lot of others.
We discuss having TWINS during Covid, the importance of Self Worth, and how saying No to things is still important in your job search, and how she is navigating her longest time in the Badlands. Whilst offering up some Tips, advice and experience on...
2024-05-2343 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - With David ByrneIn the next instalment of the Badlands, I’m pleased to welcome David Byrne, David is an ex Ad guy that made the move client side a few years ago, but now finds himself in wandering The Badlands like a lot of others. David and I have not worked together before, but we know a lot of the same characters in the London Ad world. (All of whom will remain nameless in this chat).
We discuss composting, touching World Cup footballs, starting as a grad and ending up In Cardiff, but mainly how he is navigating the ti...
2024-05-1734 minThe BadlandsThe Badlands - with David BrewertonMy first chat wandering The Badlands is with David Brewerton, David was part of a client team that I had the pleasure of working with a few years ago now, and like me he finds himself in between jobs a little longer than he expected or hoped. In this conversation with David we discuss his career experience, his job hunt techniques, and also if wearing pants on the school run is mandatory.
David is open to immediate starts in Senior Marketing Roles. He would really love to work for the PGA.
2024-05-1026 min